Question:

How can I increase the normal load on a friction support without increasing the total load supported?

Introduction:

CAESAR II includes the effects of friction on a resting (i.e., +Y) support. However, if I have a clamp around the pipe that
can tighten and preload this friction support, how can I include this added clamp load in the friction response? When I
add an external (-Y) load, the software shows the support with this additional load. I want the load to affect the axial
response due to friction but not appear as a great support load on the restraint itself.

Answer:

Model the restraint with a CNode and then balance the preload with an opposite load on the CNode. Here’s an example
with a 1000 lbf clamp load:
Results:
Discussion:

Node 20 is the connection between pipe and the support under the pipe; Node 21 is the support

Load Case 1 – Thermal Strain Alone

• No normal load, no friction. Pipe slides 0.500. No load on 20 or it’s support at 21.

Load Case 2 – Weight Alone

• Normal load is 742 lbf on the pipe (20) and the support (21).

Load Case 3 – Hold Down Load Alone (1000 lbf)

• Here you can see that the hold down load is “seen” by the pipe (20) but it does not appear on the support
(21).

Load Case 4 – Thermal plus Hold Down

• You can see that the hold down load produces friction (30% of 1000) on the pipe and support. This reduces
the deflection a bit. The support (21) shows the friction load but not the hold down load.

Load Case 5 – Operating Load without Hold Down

• This case shows the regular response to friction where the normal load is caused by deadweight. Both the
pipe and support (20 & 21, respectively) show the proper normal load and the effect of friction (30% of 742).

Load Case 6 – Operating Load with Hold Down

• Here it is all together. The pipe responds properly and the support does not include the hold down load.

Comments:

• Use the CNode to set the support load.

• That hold down load may be difficult to predict but you can try different values to see how the system
responds.
• Don’t forget that there is sliding between the top of the clamp and the pipe. Adjust your coefficient of
friction. Perhaps double?
• The clamp would probably introduce a guide at the same point.